The Philippines expressed it is “deeply concerned” about China’s military drills around Taiwan, warning they could “undermine regional peace and stability.”
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro said China’s military and coast guard actions are “further creating cracks in an already fragile geopolitical environment.”
China launched missiles and deployed fighter jets, navy ships, and coastguard vessels in live-fire drills simulating a blockade of Taiwan’s ports and maritime assaults. The Taiwanese coastguard reported warships began withdrawing Wednesday, though Beijing has not declared the exercises finished.
“This heightened scale of coercion has implications that extend beyond cross-Strait relations and into the broader Indo-Pacific community,” Teodoro said.
“Basic principles of self-restraint must be observed, and the rule of international law must not be distorted.”
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory despite never ruling the island, and has threatened force to annex it.